By: Tanjila Ontu

She once had a home that felt like light
Then it broke apart without a fight
Two houses now, and separate days
But none of it felt quite okay

She watched the world from quiet eyes
While others lived their lullabies
Their laughter echoed, full and free
But none of that belonged to me

She learned to hide, to hold it in
To wear her silence like a skin
She cried at night with covered face
And begged the dark to make her safe

Her father changed, or maybe she
He stopped being who he used to be
He saw her there, but not enough
His love grew distant, cold, and tough

So she prayed – not loud, not bold
Just whispered hopes a child holds
For peace, for calm, for some relief
For something softer than her grief

Years have passed. She’s standing still
But not from strength – just quiet will
She doesn’t speak of what she’s known
She just survives it, on her own

No birthday cake, no crown or cheer
Just one soft thought she holds near:
A silent hug, a gentle swirl
A wish for peace – for that little girl

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Tanjila Ontu is a student at Northern University Bangladesh with a growing passion for
poetry and creative expression. She enjoys exploring emotions and memories through her
verses. Writing allows her to reflect, connect, and dream. This is one of her early steps into
the literary world, and she looks forward to sharing more of her voice.